When Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was asked about President Obama’s decision to scrap his predecessor’s plans for missile defense in Poland and the Czech Republic, Putin said Obama was brave to do so, but wondered when the U.S. leader will help Moscow enter the World Trade Organization. Today, Igor Shuvalov, Russia’s deputy prime minister, was in Washington, among other reasons, to follow up on Putin’s question. The answer (as delivered by United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk): Washington supports Russia’s entry — as long as it is doing so alone. Or as Kirk put it in a statement, he supports Russia’s “individual accession to the WTO.”
Iranian business delegation in Belarus
TEHRAN, Sept. 21 (MNA) – A 45-member Iranian business delegation headed for the Belarusian capital Minsk on Monday.
Kosovo leadership confronts EU authorities
The co-operation protocol will help EULEX and Serb police share information on cross-border organised crime and is a pre-condition for Serbia to obtain visa free travel to the EU in 2010.
Azeri blogger detained, oil major presses case
LONDON (Reuters) – An opposition blogger in Azerbaijan has been remanded in custody pending trial on hooliganism charges, prompting protests from his employer, oil major BP Plc, a media rights group said on its website.
“Liberalisation” in action: Artsyom Dubski sentenced to a year in prison
A Young Front activist Artsyom Dubski, who had been recognized prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International, was arrested in the court room of Asipovichy district court.
Turnout hits new low
It was a quiet day at the office for staff at some polling stations across the EU. From an early stage it became clear that predictions of a low turnout would be confirmed.
Apathetic turnout gives centre-right victory
The centre right has come out on top in Europe after EU elections marked by a record low turnout and harsh lessons for ruling parties in some countries.
Why does Andrea Rigoni ignore PACE decisions?
On May 26, the Political Affairs Committee of the Council of Europe considered a report on the situation in Belarus by Andrea Rigoni. The conclusions of the report contradict no only the common sense but also spirit of the PACE Charter.
Mass arrests of oppositionists in Minsk on day of Eastern Partnership summit
Another time Riot policemen were sent against participants of the rally dedicated to the memory of General Yury Zakharanka, abducted and assassinated in Belarus. Before and after the rally dozens of oppositionists were arrested.
BBC: Protesters in Minsk demonstrating for the release of three prisoners
Few dare to protest – Belarus has been dubbed the “last dictatorship in Europe”. The European Union has taken its first big step towards bringing Belarus back in from the cold, inviting it to become part of its “Eastern partnership”.